Habitation.—On forming a wish to possess any particular bird, it is natural to try to discover what situations it frequents in order to find it, and when it has been found and secured, a desire to know the best place to keep it in follows as a matter of course.
Food.—In keeping tame birds it is most important to know what food is best adapted to each species; that is to say, what approaches nearest to its natural aliment. I have therefore divided the directions on this point into two parts; showing in the first the natural food of the bird in its wild state, and in the second what is best for it in confinement.
Breeding.—Many birds succeed best when reared from the nest, which makes it necessary to speak of their manner of being hatched, and the like.
Diseases.—Birds being very tender creatures, on passing from a state of liberty to slavery, in which they lose the means of exercise and proper food, are soon afflicted with many diseases occasioned by this change alone, without reckoning others that naturally follow in their train. Under this head I endeavour to point out these, and their proper treatment; but I confess that this is the most imperfect part of my work, and I wish some clever experienced medical man would take the trouble to render it more correct.
Chase.—On going into the country a wish often arises to procure a bird, and therefore under this head I have described the method of catching such species as may be desired.
Attractive Qualities.—Under this head I have stated the properties which render a bird worthy of our notice, and of being tamed and kept in the house.
The volume ends with an alphabetical index, which will enable a person instantly to find the birds whose history he requires. May my work be as useful as it is my wish to make it, and my intentions will be accomplished.